Creating a Comprehensive Fire Safety Training Programme for Your Staff

Managing fire safety effectively requires more than just installing alarms and extinguishers. It demands thorough staff training and a clear understanding of responsibilities.

Ensuring your team is well-prepared is crucial not only because fire can cause loss of life but also due to the significant financial, moral, and legal implications.

The economic burden of fires in England and Wales alone amounts to billions of pounds each year.

Get yourself or your staff trained: Click Health & Safety Courses.

Summary

---

Table of Content

Table of contents

• Summary
• Understanding Fire Legislation
• Responsibilities of the Responsible Person
• Who Needs Fire Safety Training?
• Types of Fire Safety Training
• Refresher Training
• Practical Tips for Fire Safety Training
• Conclusion

---

Understanding Fire Legislation

In England and Wales, fire safety is primarily governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RR(FS)O) 2005, which came into force on 1 October 2006. You can also check our summarised version for the Fire Safety Order 2005.

This legislation replaced several older laws, including the Fire Precautions Act 1971, and eliminated the need for fire certificates.

The RR(FS)O outlines the general duties of the “responsible person” and the requirements for fire safety practices within applicable premises.

Responsibilities of the Responsible Person

As the responsible person, it’s your duty to ensure that all employees receive adequate fire safety training. This includes full-time and part-time staff, contractors, and visitors.

They must be well-informed about the fire safety measures in place and the actions to take in case of a fire or when the fire alarm sounds.

Proper training can be delivered through inductions, courses, and regular fire drills.

Each individual must understand their role in maintaining fire safety and how to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

Who Needs Fire Safety Training?

According to Article 21 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it’s mandatory for the responsible person to provide adequate safety training to all employees.

This training should occur at the start of employment and whenever there is a new or increased risk.

Training should cover:

• Fire risks within the building
• Fire safety measures implemented
• Actions to take upon discovering a fire
• Actions to take when hearing the fire alarm

Specific Training for Fire Wardens

Fire wardens require more detailed training to understand and execute their responsibilities effectively. Their training should include:

• Understanding the elements of the ‘fire triangle’
• How fire and smoke spread within the building
• Design features that minimise fire and smoke impact
• Proactive roles in reducing fire risks and comprehending fire risk assessments
• Reactive responsibilities during evacuations, including sweeping areas, managing assembly points, and assisting with evacuations

Additionally, fire wardens should know how to assist individuals with disabilities through Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and how to use fire extinguishers, albeit theoretical training may suffice.

Suggested Training: Click Face to Face Evac Chair Training.

Training for Other Appointed Persons

Besides fire wardens, other individuals like incident controllers, engineers, facilities managers, reception staff, and security personnel should also receive specific training.

This training should be thorough enough to ensure they understand their roles during a building evacuation and can perform their duties effectively.

Keeping Records

Maintaining detailed records of all staff inductions and fire safety training is essential. These records demonstrate that your staff have received suitable training and are familiar with the building’s fire procedures.

Types of Fire Safety Training

Training can be delivered in various formats:

• Induction Training: This can be in-person or through online modules and should be given to all new employees.
• Classroom-Based Training: Ideal for individuals taking on specific roles, this type of training allows for interaction, questions, and detailed discussion of particular scenarios.
• Remote Training: Increasingly popular for refresher courses, remote training can efficiently reach many employees. However, it doesn’t replace the benefits of in-person training for initial comprehensive understanding.
• Evacuation Drills: These are practical exercises where all staff practice the evacuation procedure. Drills should be conducted at least annually, or more frequently if different shifts need to be covered.

Refresher Training

The best form of refresher training is regular evacuation drills. These drills should be carried out at least once a year to ensure all occupants are familiar with the evacuation procedures.

For facilities with night shifts or various working patterns, more frequent drills are necessary.

Fire wardens and other specific roles should receive routine refresher training to remind them of their duties and the critical part they play in managing fire safety.

Practical Tips for Fire Safety Training

1. Start with an Effective Induction: Ensure every new employee understands the basics of fire safety, including escape routes and alarm procedures.
2. Use Visual Aids and Hands-On Practice: For training to be effective, especially for using fire extinguishers, hands-on practice can be invaluable.
3. Scenario-Based Drills: Simulate different fire scenarios during drills to prepare staff for various potential situations.
4. Tailored Training: Adapt the training to fit the specific roles of staff members. For example, reception staff should know how to manage visitor evacuations, while security personnel need to be familiar with checking and securing exits.
5. Regular Updates: Fire safety regulations and practices can change. Keep your training materials and practices up-to-date to reflect current standards.

Example Scenarios for Training

• Scenario 1: Kitchen Fire: Train staff on how to use fire blankets and extinguishers specifically for kitchen fires, which often involve grease or electrical equipment.
• Scenario 2: Night Shift Evacuation: Practice a nighttime drill to ensure that staff working overnight are as prepared as those on day shifts.
• Scenario 3: Disability Evacuation: Include scenarios where staff must assist individuals with disabilities, using tools like evacuation chairs or helping guide them to refuge points.

---

---

Conclusion

Effective fire safety management is a continuous process that starts with proper planning and training. The responsible person must ensure that all employees are well-informed and prepared to handle fire emergencies.

Through thorough and regular training, clear communication of roles, and ongoing practice through drills, your organisation can significantly enhance its fire safety measures.

This guide is a general overview, and for specific advice, you can consult with fire safety experts such as Assurity Consulting.

Their extensive experience in workplace health, safety, and environmental solutions can help ensure your compliance responsibilities are met, your employees remain safe, and your processes are cost-effective and controlled.